This article has for its purpose the recording of (1) points concerning the treatment of spinal injuries on which general agreement has been reached, (2) points on which there still exists considerable divergence of opinion and (3) a number of new aspects which may be considered addenda to the general subject of spinal injuries.

The treatment of fractures and fracture-dislocations of the spinal column from remote antiquity to the present day divides itself naturally into four periods. Historical data revealed by the findings of Dr. George Bennett show throughout periods covering millenniums many an attempt at immediate reduction, some of which apparently were completely successful. All such attempts, however, were done blindly, and photographic proof obviously is completely lacking. Professor Roentgen's discovery in 1896 provided the only exact criterion for diagnosis and perfection of result. The orthopedic surgeon had been treating tuberculosis of the centrum for ages, and many had